The Seagate ST16000NM002G is a 16TB enterprise hard drive from the Exos X16 family. Designed for data centers, enterprise storage arrays, and large-scale data infrastructure, it combines a 12Gb/s SAS interface, 7200RPM spindle speed, and 256MB cache. Its helium-sealed construction and enterprise-focused features make it suitable for compatible server and storage environments requiring high-capacity, continuous-operation storage.
Product Overview
This model is the standard Exos X16 16TB SAS drive with support for compatible 512e and 4Kn sector configurations through Seagate FastFormat technology. It is designed for demanding storage workloads, including enterprise backup, cloud infrastructure, distributed file systems, and high-capacity RAID arrays.
Key Features
- 16TB storage capacity: Provides substantial space for enterprise datasets, backups, and centralized storage repositories.
- 12Gb/s SAS interface: Offers connectivity for compatible enterprise servers, SAS controllers, and storage enclosures.
- 7200RPM spindle speed: Supports data access in demanding enterprise storage workloads.
- 256MB cache: Helps manage data-access and transfer operations.
- FastFormat support: Enables compatible configurations for 512e or 4Kn sector formats, subject to host-system support.
Enterprise Applications
- Enterprise servers and data-center storage
- Compatible SAS storage arrays and RAID systems
- Cloud and hyperscale infrastructure
- Distributed file systems and large datasets
- Enterprise backup, restore, and archival repositories
Reliability and Data Integrity
The Exos X16 family is engineered for enterprise storage environments with continuous-operation requirements. Seagate specifies a mean time between failures (MTBF) of 2.5 million hours and an annualized failure rate of 0.35% under stated operating conditions. These are manufacturer reliability metrics and should not be interpreted as a guarantee of an individual drive's lifespan.
Additional family features include PowerChoice idle-power management, PowerBalance performance and power optimization, SuperParity, and hot-plug support when used with compatible systems.
Compatibility Notes
The ST16000NM002G uses a 3.5-inch form factor and a 12Gb/s SAS interface. It is not a standard SATA drive. Confirm that your server, SAS HBA, RAID controller, and storage enclosure support SAS drives, 16TB capacity, and the intended sector format before installation. SATA-only host connections are not compatible with SAS drives.
The ST16000NM002G is the standard model. It differs from the ST16000NM004G self-encrypting variant and the ST16000NM009G SED-FIPS variant. Verify the full model number when replacing an existing drive or selecting hardware for a security-sensitive deployment.
DC Supplies Product Note
Before ordering the Seagate ST16000NM002G, verify the exact model number and ensure your storage system supports 12Gb/s SAS connectivity and 16TB drives. The advertised capacity uses decimal units, so the operating system may report a lower usable figure. RAID configuration, filesystem formatting, and system overhead can further reduce available storage.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Seagate |
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| Part Number MPN | ST16000NM002G |
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| Product Type | Internal enterprise hard drive |
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| Product Family | Exos X16 |
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| Storage Capacity | 16TB |
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| Form Factor | 3.5-inch |
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| Interface | 12Gb/s SAS |
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| Model Type | Standard model, non-SED |
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| Recording Technology | Conventional Magnetic Recording (CMR) |
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| Sector Format | 512e/4Kn via compatible FastFormat configuration |
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| Spindle Speed | 7200RPM |
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| Cache Buffer | 256MB |
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| Average Latency | 4.16ms |
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| Maximum Sustained Transfer Rate | Up to approximately 261MB/s |
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| Interface Transfer Rate | 12Gb/s SAS |
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| Helium-Sealed Design | Yes |
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| Power Management | PowerChoice and PowerBalance |
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| Hot-Plug Support | Supported in compatible systems |
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| MTBF | 2,500,000 hours |
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| Annualized Failure Rate | 0.35% |
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| Nonrecoverable Read Errors | 1 sector per 1015 bits read |
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| Operating Temperature | 5°C to 60°C |
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| Limited Warranty | 5 years, subject to applicable Seagate warranty terms and eligibility |
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the capacity of the Seagate ST16000NM002G?
This Exos X16 enterprise hard drive provides 16TB of formatted storage capacity.
2. Does the ST16000NM002G use SATA or SAS?
It uses a 12Gb/s SAS interface. It requires a compatible SAS controller or storage enclosure and cannot connect directly to a SATA-only host interface.
3. Is this model a self-encrypting drive?
No. ST16000NM002G is the standard model. The ST16000NM004G is the corresponding SED model, while ST16000NM009G is the SED-FIPS variant.
4. Can the drive be used in a RAID array?
Yes, when the RAID controller and storage system support SAS drives, 16TB capacity, and the selected sector format.
5. What is FastFormat support?
FastFormat allows compatible drives to be configured for supported 512e or 4Kn sector formats. Verify controller support and follow Seagate's configuration guidance before changing the format.
6. What warranty is listed for this drive?
Seagate lists a five-year limited warranty for the Exos X16 ST16000NM002G. Actual coverage depends on product eligibility, region, and applicable warranty terms.
